THERE will be relief for Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba after a number of his top stars came through league matches unscathed ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo.

Top midfielder Andile Jali played for Belgian side KV Oostende as they lost 3-1 at Ayanda Patosi's Lokeren.

Oostende were hindered by a 26th-minute red card for Senegal forward Elimane Coulibaly, by which time Oostende were leading, but the home side's numerical advantage saw them come back to score three goals.

Mashaba's most experienced defender, Anele Ngcongca, played the full game for Genk as they got a credible point at Anderlecht.

Thulani Serero, recalled to the national squad for the matches against Congo, played for Ajax Amsterdam as they were held to a 0-0 draw at home by PEC Zwolle.

Kamohelo Mokotjo, who will not be linking up with Bafana, played for FC Twente as they were held 2-2 at AZ Alkmaar.

May Mahlangu was only a substitute as Goteborg saw their Swedish league title ambitions disintegrate with a surprise 3-0 defeat at IFK Norrköping that handed the title to Malmo for a second straight year.

Also in Sweden, Ayanda Nkili was a late substitute as Orebro thumped Elfsborg 5-1 to remain in contention for European club football next season.

Lebogang Phiri also came off the bench as Brondby won 2-1 at home to Aalborg, while Joel Untersee was a half-time introduction for Vaduz as they were beaten 3-0 by FC Zurich in the Swiss league.